Empowering Future Women Investors: A Glimpse into RTSWS Financial Literacy Workshops
Stephanie Schils, a dedicated financial professional, recently shared her inspiring experience leading a Rock the Street, Wall Street (RTSWS) workshop series at a New York City public high school for international students.
Over five weeks, she guided 25 multilingual young women through essential financial topics, including interest fundamentals, stocks and bonds, retirement planning, investment risk, and college financial planning.
By connecting these concepts to real-life scenarios, such as the impact of consumer purchases on company stock performance, Stephanie made finance relatable and engaging.
She emphasized the importance of fostering a supportive learning environment to empower young women in finance, aligning with RTSWS’s mission to close the gender wealth gap and inspire careers in STEM fields.
RTSWS Closes the Market at TSX and Advances Inclusion in Finance
Rock The Street Wall Street Closes the Market at Toronto Stock Exchange, Celebrates Milestones of Empowering 7,000 Young Women in Finance and Expanding Further in Toronto
Rock The Street, Wall Street (RTSWS), a leading nonprofit dedicated to bridging the gender gap in finance celebrated key milestones at Toronto Stock Exchange during a special market close ceremony on October 24. The event marked the achievements of empowering over 7,000 young women through its impactful financial and investment programs and further expanding its presence in Toronto.
Ashley Leftwich, CEO of Rock The Street, Wall Street, alongside Cindy Bush, Chief Human Resources Officer of TMX Group, joined by RTSWS Canadian Advisory Council & Board Members, supporters, volunteers and students, commemorated this significant occasion.
“We are deeply moved to have such a range of supporters, friends and students together at the Toronto Stock Exchange,” said Ms. Leftwich. “It’s an honor to ring the bell and join you in this iconic venue as we celebrate the growth of Rock The Street Wall Street with our expanding reach in Toronto this school year. Thank you to the TMX Group for this opportunity, and to our supporters and volunteers—your unwavering dedication fuels service to our students.“
RTSWS is committed to bringing the M in STEM to diverse high school girls, equipping them with vital financial and investment fundamentals. The program notably enhances young women’s engagement in the financial sector, with many pursuing degrees in economics, finance, and related fields at a rate five times higher than the average female student.
With active programs in over 25 cities across the U.S., U.K., and Canada, and online virtual offerings, RTSWS strives to foster inclusivity in the capital markets and prepare students and alumnae for seamless transitions from classrooms to careers.
Ms. Bush expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative: “Rock The Street Wall Street forges paths and provides access for young women into finance. We support this important work and are proud of the ongoing impact these students and alumnae will make in the financial and capital markets sector and beyond.“
The event also featured a pivotal panel discussion: “Driving Inclusion Across the Industry,” where financial leaders shared best practices for expanding participation in capital markets and engaged in a Q&A session with attendees.
Speakers and Panelists:
- Welcome and Opening Remarks: Cindy Bush, CHRO of TMX Group and Ashley Leftwich, CEO of RTSWS
- Founder’s Vision: Maura Cunningham, Executive Chair & Founder of RTSWS
- Panel: Kristie Feinberg, President & CEO of Manulife John Hancock Investments; Brandon Gill New, MD & Head of External Partnerships at AIMCO; David Ross, Senior MD & Head of Total Portfolio Management at OPTrust
- Moderator: Frederick Pinto, CFA; CEO of CFA Society Toronto
“This industry event underscores our gratitude towards this strong network of leading voices and reaffirms our commitment to RTSWS students and alumnae as we strive for greater inclusion within the financial sector,” added Ms. Leftwich. “We’re celebrating best practices and the significant impact of our volunteer-led programs. Together, our students are breaking barriers, ensuring broader access to capital markets, and contributing to a more diverse and growing client base. When we elevate diverse voices, the benefits are universal.“
Rock The Street, Wall Street – Canadian Bankers Association Closes the Market in Toronto
On October 24, 2024, Ashley Leftwich, CEO of Rock The Street, Wall Street (RTSWS), joined Cindy Bush, TMX Group’s Chief Human Resources Officer, at the Toronto Stock Exchange to close the market in celebration of RTSWS’s impact, reaching over 7,000 young women with its financial and investment programming.
RTSWS, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering diverse high school girls in Financial & Investment mathematics, offers programs guiding students from classroom to careers, promoting inclusivity in the capital markets. Now active in over 25 cities across the US, UK and Canada, RTSWS helps young women pursue degrees in economics and finance at five times the national average for female students.
- RTSWS Programming Snapshots & Student CEO Summit
- Empowering Future Women Investors: A Glimpse into RTSWS Financial Literacy Workshops
- RTSWS Closes the Market at TSX and Advances Inclusion in Finance
- Rock The Street Wall Street Closes the Market at Toronto Stock Exchange, Celebrates Milestones of Empowering 7,000 Young Women in Finance and Expanding Further in Toronto
- Rock The Street, Wall Street – Canadian Bankers Association Closes the Market in Toronto
